Toll House Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Easy to Make!

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. It’s an instant comfort, a nostalgic reminder of childhood afternoons spent eagerly waiting by the oven. But did you know that the beloved Toll House cookies the classic chocolate chip cookies we all love were actually a happy accident?

This recipe isn’t just about following steps; it’s about recreating that warm, homey feeling with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this Toll House cookie recipe will deliver soft, chewy, and perfectly crisp cookies every time.

But before we dive into the ingredients and instructions, let’s take a quick journey back in time to uncover how these iconic cookies came to be.

The Story Behind Toll House Cookies

A Sweet Mistake That Changed Baking History

In the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, was famous for her homemade desserts. One day, while making a batch of Butter Drop Do cookies, she ran out of baker’s chocolate. Thinking on her feet, she chopped up a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar, expecting it to melt into the dough.

To her surprise, the chocolate held its shape, creating gooey pockets of deliciousness throughout the cookie. The result? The first-ever chocolate chip cookie! Nestlé later struck a deal with Ruth, printing her recipe on their chocolate bar packaging in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate.

And just like that, the Toll House cookie recipe became a household favorite.

Ingredients for Perfect Toll House Cookies

Quality Ingredients Matter

For the best results, always use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

The Star Ingredient:

• 2 cups (12 oz) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt

Why These Ingredients Work:

• Brown sugar adds moisture for a chewier texture.
• Granulated sugar creates that crispy edge.
• Baking soda helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
• Butter gives them that irresistible flavor.

Essential Baking Tools for This Recipe

Must-Have Kitchen Equipment:

Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Toll House Cookies Recipe

1. Mixing the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips (and nuts if using).

2. Scooping and Shaping the Cookies

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
3. Optional: Roll dough into balls for perfectly round cookies.

Pro Tip: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for extra chewiness!

3. Baking to Perfection

1. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
2. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.
3. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Soft and Chewy Cookies

Use room temperature butter for better creaming.

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Slightly underbake for soft centers.
• Mix chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, dark) for rich flavor.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving to the rack.

How to Customize Your Toll House Cookies

• Double Chocolate Cookies: Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1/2 cup peanut butter to wet ingredients.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Swap 1 cup of flour for rolled oats.
• Salted Caramel Cookies: Drizzle caramel over baked cookies and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Nutty Cookies: Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
• Spiced Cookies: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a holiday twist.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Cookies spreading too much? Butter too warm or not enough flour.
• Cookies too hard? Overbaked – remove when edges are golden.
• Cookies too cakey? Overmixed or too much flour.
• Chocolate chips sinking? Toss chips in flour before adding.
• Cookies taste bland? Always use real vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

How to Store and Freeze Toll House Cookies

Storing at Room Temperature

• Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Add a slice of bread to the container to keep cookies soft.

Freezing Baked Cookies

1. Cool cookies completely.
2. Freeze in a single layer for 30 minutes.
3. Transfer to an airtight bag or container.
4. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing Cookie Dough

1. Scoop dough into balls.
2. Freeze dough balls for 30 minutes.
3. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
4. Bake frozen dough at 375°F (190°C), adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Pairing Suggestions: The Best Drinks for Toll House Cookies

• Classic: A cold glass of milk
• Coffee Lovers: Hot coffee, cappuccino, or vanilla latte
• Cozy Comfort: Hot chocolate
• Refreshing Twist: Iced caramel coffee or vanilla milkshake
• Adult Upgrade: Port wine or Baileys Irish Cream

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives better flavor and texture.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

3. How do I make my cookies extra chewy?
Use more brown sugar, chill the dough, and underbake slightly.

4. Why did my cookies turn out too hard?
Likely overbaked or too much flour measure carefully!

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

6. Can I add different types of chocolate?
Definitely try a mix of semi sweet, dark, milk, or white chocolate chips!

Conclusion

And there you have it the ultimate Toll House cookie recipe that’s guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen. Whether you like them crispy, chewy, extra chocolatey, or with a fun twist, this recipe is easy, foolproof, and absolutely delicious.

Baking these cookies isn’t just about making dessert it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re baking with kids, surprising a loved one, or just treating yourself, homemade Toll House cookies are always a great idea.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and start baking!

For another soft and chewy cookie recipe, try our Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Happy baking!